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JUVENILE and provides keyless entry and exit within
INSTITUTIONS the interior and exterior of the facility.
The primary purpose of the SMJH is to
provide a safe and secure environment for
detained youth while also providing
SANTA MARIA meaningful interventions, treatment, and
JUVENILE HALL (SMJH) educational opportunities.
If a juvenile is detained, a court hearing
The Probation Department operates the must be held within a specific time frame
Susan J. Gionfriddo Juvenile Justice Center to determine if continued detention is
located in Santa Maria. The Susan J. necessary. The Deputy Probation Officer
Gionfriddo Juvenile Justice Center opened (DPO) will make a recommendation for
in April 2005, and expanded the Santa continued detention if the youth is a risk to
Maria Juvenile Hall (SMJH) by adding a new themselves, a risk to the community, or
intake and release area, administration likely to flee the jurisdiction of the Court.
offices, a medical clinic, a Master Control Following the conclusion of the Court
Room (MCR), a kitchen, and three (3) 30- process, the youth may remain at SMJH
bed living units. Each unit has two (2) until the Court’s disposition.
classrooms, a counseling room, a
kitchenette, dining room, dayroom and Youth at SMJH are screened at intake and
outdoor recreation area. The MCR, staffed those identified as having mental health
by an Administrative Office Professional concerns are further assessed by Behavior
(AOP), visually monitors over 95 cameras Wellness staff within 96 hours.
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